According to reports, Verizon plans on selling security and energy monitoring systems by the end of the year.

The phone/Internet/TV giant won’t be the first big home services provider to dip its toes into the energy management market. Security behemoth ADT is already test-marketing “connectivity” solutions with remotely-accessible web cameras and thermostats, and plans a national rollout in August. Energy monitoring and remote energy management is planned as well. In addition, cable TV giant Comcast may enter the security and energy management markets this year.

ADT is using iControl software for its new systems. ADT and Comcast are both investors in iControl, as is Intel, which has produced a Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) with an in-house energy dashboard.

No word yet on whether Verizon will also use iControl software. However, an iControl spokesperson says the company is not working with Verizon on a rollout.

Just imagine Comcast—excuse me, Xfinity—and Verizon also competing in energy management. I can’t wait for those TV commercials.

Look for a feature story on the iControl rollouts and what it means for the custom electronics industry at our sister site, CEPro.com.

This article was modified on June 23, 2:10 pm, to add iControl’s comments on a Verizon rollout.

Steven Castle - Contributing Writer

Steven Castle is Electronic House's managing editor. he has been writing about consumer electronics, homes and energy efficiency topics for two decades. He is also the co-founder of GreenTech Advocates.